Positive Federal Budget for Business Events as Australia sets its sights on world top 10

Positive Federal budget for business events

The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) has welcomed the Federal Government’s modest increase in funding for Tourism Australia as we set our sights on returning to the world top 10 of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Country Rankings.

Tuesday night’s federal budget confirmed that funding has been secured for Tourism Australia, with an increase of approximately $17 million over the next four years, taking into account positive foreign exchange impacts. But more could be done, noting the Government’s current over-collection of taxes on the tourism industry.

AACB CEO, Andrew Hiebl says that: “In order to realise continued growth in tourism exports across the next decade, stronger investment in the nation’s tourism agency is required. Enhancing Australia’s position as a leading business events destination relies on this.”

The ICCA Country Rankings released earlier this week show that Australia has moved from 16th to 14th with a total of 258 international association meetings held in 2017 (up 47).

“While we have our eye on returning to the top 10, the position last held in 2006, we are in operating in a highly competitive industry with strong regional competition from Japan (7th), China (8th) and the Republic of Korea (13th), said Hiebl.

“However, we are confident that policies such as the $12 million national bid fund announced by Minister Ciobo in March will help Australia secure more lucrative business events, especially when competing against its Asian rivals.”

Australia’s star performers include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Cairns, all increasing the number of international association meetings held year-on-year, with Brisbane holding on to 3rd position in Australia.

“We are pleased to see the success of these destinations. A core function of the AACB is to facilitate collaboration amongst its members. This allows them to share performance data and best practices to grow the overall business events industry in Australia.”

While Sydney and Melbourne made it to the top 10 in the Asia Pacific rankings, at 7th and 9th respectively, Australian destinations are still facing strong competition from Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Beijing, Taipei and Kuala Lumpur. Australia ranked 4th in the Asia Pacific Region for 2017, holding against the previous year.

5 Infamous killers’ artifacts on display

We live in a society where there is a strong fascination of crime, this is apparent by its prevalence in pop-culture. The subject of crime and serial killers is often the topic of books, TV shows and movies. In fact, Zac Efron will be transforming himself into Ted Bundy in Hollywood’s upcoming movie “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.” And Disney Channel’s Ross Lynch plays the role of Jeffrey Dahmer in “My Friend Dahmer.” There is a strange curiosity that propels us to learn more about who these people are and how they can do such horrible things. Those who want to learn more about some of the most infamous killers in America should plan a visit to Alcatraz East Crime Museum.

“We have many artifacts on display that are connected to infamous killers in the country,” states Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer for Alcatraz East. “Like any piece of history, we hope that the stories throughout this museum create conversations. We want the victims to never be forgotten, we want law enforcement to be honored- while bringing awareness to the crime itself, which might prevent other crimes from occurring.”

Visitors of Alcatraz East Crime Museum can expect to see many crime-related artifacts on display, and learn about ways to help prevent crime. Here are 5 infamous killers’ artifacts that are on display at the museum:

1. Charles Manson Guitar & Beach Boys single “Never Learn Not to Love” – This guitar was recently added to the museum’s collect. It was taken into custody in Inyo County California, during a raid on the Barker Ranch when Charles Manson was also arrested. In 1969, the song “Never Learn Not to Love” appeared as a Beach Boys single, and later on an album, credited to Dennis Wilson, although Manson had originated the song under the name “Cease to Exist.”

2. Ted Bundy’s 1968 Volkswagen Beetle – The Beetle that was integral in both of his murders and conviction, containing important DNA evidence, is on display for visitors to view.

3. John Wayne Gacy’s clown suits- “Pogo” and “Patches” – The serial killer was arrested in 1978. He had confessed to killing 30 people. Despite him being a serial killer, he would dress up in clown suits to entertain children.

4. Judy Buenoano’s last photograph and prison blanket – Convicted of murdering her husband and son, she was also suspected in several other deaths. Her last known photograph and prison blanket are both on display at the museum.

5. Jeffrey Dahmer handcuffs– An American serial killer, he was convicted of the murder of 17 males, which included rape, dismemberment, and cannibalism. His handcuffs are on display at the museum for visitors to view.

The museum also recently added new exhibits and artifacts, with there being something for everyone. Their new interactive exhibits give people the ability to test their pirate skills at tying knots, gives people the ability to share their own 9/11 experiences, and gives them the chance to offer a thank you message to law enforcement departments around the nation. One of the most popular items on display at the museum is the O.J. Simpson white Bronco from the infamous police chase that unfolded on television before millions of viewers.

The museum continues to add to their collection monthly and has a star-studded panel of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including those in law enforcement, collectors, a medical examiner, crime scene investigators, and others. The board includes Jim Willett, a retired prison warden, Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief, and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com.

About Alcatraz East

Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can encounter a unique journey into the history of American crime, crime solving, and our justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages – so much fun it’s a crime! This family attraction is located at the entrance of The Island, located at 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. General admission tickets are $14.95 for children, $24.95 for adults. Group ticket sales are available. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the last ticket sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com.

Art Ventures Gallery owner Katharina Powers and New York City based Artist Lin Evola, an artist that creates Peace Angels from metal melted from guns are two passionate women that have had enough of senseless gun violence

Art takes a walk for life

On March 24th, while the nation walks with students in Washington DC, two local residents, an Art Gallery owner and an Artist that creates sculptures out of metal melted from guns, will be leading 100+ students, families and supportive community members down the streets of Menlo Park supporting the students demanding change. They will be starting at Art Ventures Gallery and walking to Hillview Middle School and back.

Art Ventures Gallery owner Katharina Powers and New York City based Artist Lin Evola, an artist that creates Peace Angels from metal melted from guns are two passionate women that have had enough of senseless gun violence.

Katharina Powers, mother of 4 children draws on her experiences in Germany to stand tall and make a change. She has approached every local police station and government official trying to organize a gun buy back project in Silicon Valley in her personal attempts to remove guns off the streets.

“I met Lin Evola the day of the Parkland, Florida shooting, and I tried to initiate a gun buy back project for Silicon Valley with the mayors. I sent emails to 30 mayors, 4 responded. So my mission is to support the kids. I have four kids on my own. Hence, organizing a Walk for Our Lives in homage to the many marches being held around the country.”

Powers continued “Art is the highest form of hope” (Gerhard Richter). I am proud that I saw so many kids walking out March 14th and meeting them in the streets of Menlo Park and Palo Alto. It is a start, but we need this to continue until we have our goals reached. When I was a student, I went to East Germany every Monday demonstrating to take the Berlin Wall down, and we did it. We were persistent, devoted, and stood up. The wall came down. Right now we need to stand with the students and make a change.”

Artist Lin Evola has been fighting this fight for decades. A United Nations Delegate who attends closed meetings on disarmament, Evola has always been passionate about getting guns off the streets and has done something artistic to support her cause. Evola creates “Peace Angels”, sculptures forged out of melted metal decommissioned nuclear stainless steel, guns and other weapons of mass destruction. Evola has received tens of thousands of street weapons from the NYPD, LAPD, LASD as well as other California law enforcement. Evola has created sculptures for Los Angeles, New York and is in the process of creating a Globe Peace Sign monument for her beloved Bay Area.

Lin Evola began the Peace Angels Project in 1992 as an active art project that invites weapon donations, converting the once destructive armament materials into compelling images which provoke the possibilities of peace. During the more than twenty years of building the Peace Angels Project, creating art has been Evola’s way of working out philosophical insights and foundational thoughts that have become actualized as the Peace Angels Project.

“Evola’s sculptures and paintings integrate symbols of both affirmation and challenge to reach beyond words and touch a place deep inside of each of us. Her art pairs ancient symbols with weapons materials as she asks us to find common ground when we disagree, rather than to take up arms against one another. From primordial times to today, human beings have used symbols to represent prevailing cultural mores and expected standards for human behavior.”

Evola is a force to be reckoned with and has the ears of the many thousands around the world looking for a peaceful change. She’ll be bringing the Peace Angel to Silicon Valley, setting an example that of wanting a gun free Silicon Valley, and looking to initiate a gun buyback program to get weapons off our streets. Evola has been called the “US Gun Destruction Leader” with recent talks taking place in New York and Washington DC.

There will be a press conference on March 24th with local mayors, police dignitaries and Lin Evola.

“This announcement is one of the most important developments for the business events industry in Australia to date,” said the AACB’s President, Karen Bolinger.

“The Government’s investment through Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program will help bring strategic international business events of national significance to Australia. It will help Australia attract more international conventions which boost trade, investment, tourism jobs and help local industries showcase their capability on the world stage.

“Recent figures released by Ernst & Young indicate that the business events industry contributes $30 billion in direct expenditure and over 193,000 direct jobs each year.

“This investment will achieve strong results for Australians.”

The AACB, in its recent Federal Budget submissions, promoted the establishment of such a fund, which would provide support to overseas-based organisations seeking to hold a convention in Australia.

AACB CEO, Andrew Hiebl says that the timing of this investment is an important step in reversing the decline in Australia’s global ranking and market share.

“In 2016, Australia fell to 16th place in the International Congress and Convention Association’s country rankings, with global market share falling to 1.73 percent. A decade ago, Australia was consistently among the top 10 most popular countries to host major international association conventions.

“Our market intelligence shows a 14 percent decline in the number international bids won in 2017, while economic benefit is predicted to hold steady against 2016 due to increased delegate numbers and longer event durations overall.

“39 percent of international business lost by Australia in 2017 was due to travel distance, followed by 22 percent due to total event costs and financial incentives offered by competing countries.

“The strength of our bid delivery is already recognised worldwide. We are confident that this policy initiative will only increase our international competitiveness and attract more business events to Australia.”

361 international business events have already been secured for the future by the AACB’s members, with a further 236 bids in the pipeline, equating to a potential half a billion dollars in direct delegate expenditure.

In partnership with Abu Dhabi Media Company, Radio 1 FM (100.5 FM), Classic FM (91.6 FM) and Emarat FM (95.8 FM) will automatically play a 30-second story about each piece as travelers approach the display – the world’s first audio-visual experience of this kind.

Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and Chair of Abu Dhabi Media, said: “This exhibition puts Abu Dhabi on the map of global innovations that underpin its axes of art, culture and information. In alignment with the national strategy of innovation that aims to position the UAE among the most innovative countries in the world over the next seven years. We have built an advanced platform that provides the public with a variety of categories and interests, by providing them with rich and diverse content that contributes to our mission in transferring culture and knowledge. Allowing the community to benefit from the technological development integrated in the UAE’s media and cultural sectors.”

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Highlighting some of the museum’s iconic masterpieces through a unique, audio-visual experience, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Highway Gallery makes art and culture accessible to people, beyond the museum’s walls. Bringing to life these few but captivating stories from the museum, we hope the Gallery stimulates imaginations and offers new ways to enjoy art.”

The Highway Gallery launched today and will be on show for a month, spanning 100 kilometres of road between Seih Shuaib to Rahba City.

Ancient masterpieces showcased in the Highway Gallery include the Mari-Cha lion, an important Islamic work from the Mediterranean region; the exceptional Egyptian Sarcophagus of Princess Henuttawy; a coin inspired by Alexander the Great and discovered in the UAE, on loan from Al Ain Museum; and an 8,000-year-old two-headed statue one of the oldest monumental statues in the history of humanity, on loan from the Department of Antiquities of Jordan.

Paintings spanning from the Renaissance to modernity will also be on display. These include Leonardo da Vinci’s portrait of a woman, La Belle Ferronnière, a loan from Musée du Louvre; Van Gogh’s 1887 Self Portrait, on loan from Musée d’Orsay; and Édouard Manet’s The Fife Player, on loan from Musée d’Orsay. Other Paintings from the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Collection include Young Emir Studying by Osman Hamdi Bey; Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington; and Piet Mondrian’s iconic Composition with Blue, Red, Yellow and Black.

In addition to the launch of the Highway Gallery, Louvre Abu Dhabi has announced an extensive public programme, offering residents and visitors diverse cultural experiences in dialogue with the museum’s collection, narrative and architecture. Upcoming events include a Korean puppet show aimed at children and families which will run from the 15th to the 17th of March, Bach solo by cellist Sonia Wider-Atherton and dancer Shantala Shivalingappa on the 30th and 31st of March, followed by a recital of Swayambhu and South African dances by Via Sophiatown on the 5th and 6th of April, and a concert of Love and Revenge on the 2nd and 3rd of May.

The first universal museum in the Arab world, Louvre Abu Dhabi opened on 11 November. It offers a new perspective on the history of art in a globalised world. Alongside its collection of artworks and artefacts in its galleries spanning from pre-historic times to the present day, the museum will present four special exhibitions a year organised by the French museum partners and Agence France-Muséums as per the intergovernmental agreement for 15 years between the Government of Abu Dhabi and France.

Auckland secures $33m worth of business events from Australia

Auckland’s increased focus on developing the Australian market as a source of business events has paid dividends – resulting in the city hosting $33 million worth of business events since the Auckland Business Events Plan launched in 2014.

With excellent air links between the two countries, and short flying distances to and from the main centres, Auckland has always made for a compelling proposition for the Australian business events sector.

The Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) identified however, that there were still many opportunities to drive further growth from Australia.

Head of ACB, Anna Hayward, says having an Australian-based Business Development Manager – one of the key actions identified in the Auckland Business Events Plan – in market for the past three years has been a driving force behind Auckland’s success.

“We’ve been blown away at how much we’ve been able to grow Auckland’s Australian business, and really highlights just how much our sector values good relationships,” she says.

“With motherhood calling for our previous BDM Edwina Fitzsimon, we have been on the hunt for a new Australian-based superstar. We are thrilled to have appointed Katrina O’Donnell to the position, someone who will be a familiar face to many in the industry.”

Hailing originally from Auckland, Katrina has more than 13 years’ experience in tourism and hospitality and extensive knowledge of the business events sector.

Her most recent role was as the Associate Director of Sales & Marketing at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach where she worked for the past six years.

“With such rapid growth of infrastructure and other exciting developments taking place throughout Auckland it’s important for us to be able to provide the level of expertise and service our Australian clients require,” says Mrs Hayward.

“Katrina has an expert knowledge of what Auckland has to offer as a premium business events destination.”

Katrina O’Donnell will be joining the ACB team on the 100% Pure New Zealand stand at the upcoming AIME 2018 tradeshow in Melbourne from 20-21 February.

One year on from launching crown towers Perth Crown Hotels

Just over one year since its second Australian Crown Towers property launched in Perth Western Australia, Crown Hotels Events andConferences business has continued to capitalise on a healthy MICE market and growth across both the west and eastern coasts of Australia. Crown has seen an increase of 8 percent in MICE business contributing over 30 million visitors annually across its Melbourne and Perth properties.

According to Tourism Research Australia, this popularity is on the rise with Australia continuing a strong run for Australia as a preferred business events destination with over 347 million1 business nights at Australian hotels booked annually to service thisindustry.

Crown has been quick to see the opportunity and capitalise on the nation’s growing reputation as a global events destination by providing the only truly integrated offering where you can eat, stay and conference all in one location – with both east and west coast locations to choose from.

According to Crown Hotels Senior Vice President Global Sales, Kylie Burchmore, with the Asia market’s accessibility and appetite for holding events in Australia, the concept of ‘having it all’ in one destination makes Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth two in high demand venues in Australia.

Tourism Research Australia, Travel by Australians, September 2017 “The MICE industry in Perth has been on the rise over the past five years, which is why we embarked on a clear strategy to increase our offerings when we opened Crown Towers Perth with a new 1,500 seat ballroom. It’s created an impressive new event space for Perth that not only sets a new standard but rivals venues across theeastern seaboard as well,”Burchmore says.

Burchmore adds that Melbourne growth is equally optimistic, with the redevelopment of the Convention and Exhibition Centre and its proximity to Crown Melbourne.

“The development is a positive for us as it will enable larger and more comprehensive events into Victoria which is a fantastic thing. Crown Melbourne’s prime location literally across the road will mean our integrated resort will benefit from syndicate events and accommodation.”

Crown Hotels PerthDubbed Australia’s “Capital of Cool” by American travel writer Chris Dwyer in December 2017, Perth is quickly becoming one of the world’s must-visit cities and a clear leader in the tourism industry. In December 2016, Crown Hotels unveiled its newest property, Crown Towers Perth to the world, which transformed Crown Perth’s event and conferencing capability with new state of the art facilities. With the recent opening of Optus Stadium just next door, along with the world-class facilities on offer at Crown, the Burswood Peninsula is set to continue to transform into one of the best entertainment, urban and business event destinations in Western Australia.

Providing three tiers of accommodation along with the ability to cater for an impressive 3,500 delegates at any one time within the Convention Centre, Crown Perth is fast becoming the chosen venue for large-scale conferences, cocktail receptions, creatively themed dinners, weddings, right down to small business meetings and even yoga sessions out on The Great Lawn.

Crown Hotels MelbourneCrown Hotels Melbourne continues its strong record as one of the state’s premier players in the business and conference events space in what remains of the most popular city destinations in the southern hemisphere.

Over the last two decades, the property has become an industry leader, with a combination of the most accessible and central location, exceptional professional facilities that can cater for up to 2,500 delegates and flexible onsite expertise. The integrated resort is also home to Crown Hotel’s luxury accommodation and facilities totalling over 1,600 guest rooms, premium dining experiences, retail outlets, stylish bars and nightclubs.

Crown Melbourne Crown PerthAs a leading Australian tourism and entertainment company, Crown remains committed to building a worldwide reputation for the best in luxury experiences, hotel accommodation, gaming, signature dining and retail.

Sunshine Coast to host Association of Australian Convention Bureaux

The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) will hold their annual conference on the Sunshine Coast in August 2018, reinforcing the increasing importance to the region’s economy, as one of the fastest growing business event destinations in the country.

The successful bid by Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC) was announced today at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“We are excited to be working with Business Events Sunshine Coast and keen to experience their hospitality as they host the 29th AACB Annual Conference”, said Andrew Hiebl, CEO of the AACB.

“The AACB is proud to showcase its regional members, with the Annual Conference being held in regional Australia six times over the past decade. The Conference offers a unique opportunity for competing destinations to network, share ideas and work collaboratively to grow the overall business events market within Australia.”

It is anticipated that up to 120 people will attend the Conference to be held for the first time on the Sunshine Coast from 12-14 August 2018. This includes representatives from city and regional business events destinations from around the country. The conference and associated functions will be held in Mooloolaba at host venues including Mantra Mooloolaba Beach.

Commenting on the successful bid, Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) CEO, Simon Latchford, said that hosting the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux was timely as the Sunshine Coast has gone from strength to strength as a popular destination for business events and incentive experiences.

“With business events estimated to be worth $40.8 million to the Sunshine Coast region, showcasing what our region can offer and collaborating with the best in the business makes good sense. Hosting a prestigious industry event such as the AACB Conference attracts high profile industry speakers and experts, providing a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange.

“Business events are the highest yielding sector of the Australian tourism industry with these visitors typically spending up to six times more than any other type of visitor. Accommodation choice tends to be 4-5 star and travel can be held year-round, mid-week or off-peak. In addition to stimulating further investment in the region, the conference or event often includes accompanying partner programs and it is estimated up to 40 percent of corporate visitors will return for a holiday.

“While we welcome future plans for a convention centre, in the interim we have proven not to be constrained by our location and facilities to host more high yielding ‘briefcase & boardies style’ business events. As a regional destination competing against the capital cities, we can offer the same level of service and innovation, but with the added benefits of the breath-taking landscapes and accompanying activities that you don’t come across in a big city.”

The conference win follows a string of successful bids by BESC including the Let’s Talk about PTSD – A Community Conversation to be held in August 2018, United Nations and Overseas Policing Association of Australia Conference in October 2019 and the Australian Event Awards and Symposium to be held for the third year on the Sunshine Coast in September 2018.

About Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC)

BESC is the convention bureaux for the Sunshine Coast. It sits as a dedicated unit within Visit Sunshine Coast, the regional tourism organisation for the Sunshine Coast. BESC is a not-for-profit, membership-based organisation and their role is to promote the Sunshine Coast as a viable destination for conferences, meetings and incentive programs.www.businesseventssunshinecoast.com

About the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) is the peak Australian business events network driving economic prosperity for Australia. The Association brings together Australia’s most influential city and regional bureaux, dedicated to marketing their specific region as premier business events destinations to domestic and international markets. AACB and its members represent more than 1600 tourism and events industry operators. http://www.aacb.org.au

This was the major message of the Association at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne today.

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio said that the Business Events industry must take responsibility for making the sector an employer of choice. She said the new traineeship opportunities developed specifically to attract entry level staff to the sector were an historic opportunity to leverage Government support for attracting staff.

“We are immensely proud of the partnership we have developed with two key agencies in the education and employment services sectors.

“We urge the industry to act now and employ trainees in order to feed the employment pipeline and address the skills and labour shortage in the sector.”

TAFE NSW Deputy Regional General Manager, Paul Williams, has welcomed the opportunity to work with the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) to deliver provide training solutions to address skill shortages.

“TAFE NSW is the education and training innovator and is investing in the future of education by meeting the needs of industry.

“For the business events sector to reach its full potential, it needs a pipeline of skilled talent. TAFE NSW teachers ensure that students are equipped with practical, job-ready skills.” Mr Williams said.

The EEAA and TAFE NSW will be on stand 1840 at AIME 2018 to discuss the traineeship opportunities with industry.

At its AIME Press Conference, the EEAA released data on the business landscape for 2018.

Ms DiMascio said the findings of the EEAA Survey of Members showed that 67 percent of Organisers and 87.5 percent of Venues planned to launch at least one new show in 2018. She said of those who are planning a new show in 2018, at least 43 percent expect they will deliver two or more new shows over the coming year.

“The findings signal that the industry is constantly evolving. It also shows that our sector is nimble and responsive, creating exciting new marketplaces to meet the needs of emerging and new industries.” Ms DiMascio said.

“For example, of the new shows planned for 2018, 35 percent are technology-based, with a focus on space and satellite technology, and cybersecurity and last year, we saw a new show specifically for drones.”

The key findings from the survey include:

2018 outlook

66.6 percent of Organisers and Association Organisers, and 87.5 percent of Venues plan to deliver or host new exhibitions in 2018, with expectations there will be more new trade shows than consumer shows

43 percent of Organisers and Association Organisers plan to deliver two or more new shows in 2018, and 86 percent of those organisers plan to include a paid or free conference/seminar component to their exhibition

The most popular sectors for new shows are technology (35 percent) and health & wellbeing (35 percent)

Other sectors that will be home to new shows in 2018 are space & satellite, science / health, pet, accommodation, design, home, and lifestyle

2017 performance

40.9 percent of Organisers and Association Organisers, and 87.5 percent of Venues delivered or hosted new exhibitions in 2017

55.5 percent of Organisers and Association Organisers that delivered new exhibitions, delivered two new shows or more

9.5 percent of Organisers and Association Organisers retired a show in 2017 (all consumer)

]]>http://america.etbtravelnews.global/345183/eeaa-calls-for-business-events-sector-to-employ-entry-level-staff/feed/0Korea to introduce two new projects for business events at AIMEhttp://america.etbtravelnews.global/344431/korea-to-introduce-two-new-projects-for-business-events-at-aime/ http://america.etbtravelnews.global/344431/korea-to-introduce-two-new-projects-for-business-events-at-aime/#commentsWed, 14 Feb 2018 21:33:38 +0000http://www.etbtravelnews.global/?p=344431Travel & Tourism News. Find out more at ETB News

Amid the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Games, Korea is set to introduce two new projects at the Asia-Pacific Meetings and Incentives Expo (AIME) this coming February

Korea to introduce two new projects for business events at AIME

Amid the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Games, Korea is set to introduce two new projects at the Asia-Pacific Meetings and Incentives Expo (AIME) this coming February 20-21. Those who visit the Korea Pavilion (stand 2710) can expect to learn about Korea MICE Ambassadors and the Korea UNIQUE Venues first hand.

According to the UIA Global Statistics, Korea is the most sought destination for business events in 2016 with a total of 997 international meetings hosted. In order to reinforce this achievement, Korea did a soft launch of its Korea MICE Ambassadors early this year. Twelve outstanding individuals from various fields, such as healthcare and engineering, were selected to serve as front-runners in securing international business events to Korea and leverage their achievements and networks to raise the status of Korea as a meetings destination.

In addition, Korea also rolled out its new MICE brand “Korea Unique Venues” introducing twenty world-class meeting venues. These venues are a result of close collaborations with local convention bureaus and suppliers, where the Korea MICE Bureau evaluated recommended sites and filtered them according to their characteristics, usability, and willingness to open the place for business events.

“We invite all AIME attendees to visit the Korea Pavilion and join us as we unravel to the international community our ever-growing range of valuable programs created to ensure outstanding meeting experiences in Korea,” said Min Hong Min, KTO Executive Vice President for International Tourism.

This year, Korea will lead a delegation representing four private sectors namely US Travel, Jane Tour, Kims Travel, RYE Tour and three convention bureaus from Seoul, Jeju, and Goyang. AIME attendees visiting the Korea pavilion (stand 2710) can expect to discover Korea as a new and interesting MICE destination for their clients and find out more about various forms of competitive, quality services and support available to events hosted in Korea. On top of, visitors can try a number of Korean traditional cultural experience programs as well.